The Temptation of Jesus

Excerpt

Each of these temptations attacks Jesus at one of his strong points — his power to work miracles, his longing to change the world and his need to spread his message. But, in each case, Jesus answers Satan with words of [S]cripture. He draws on the hard-won lessons that the Israelites learned in their wilderness years with Moses.

If Jesus is to fulfil the calling of Israel, he must worship God alone (Deuteronomy 6:13). He must rely on God’s word for his life, just as he relies on bread for his body (Deuteronomy 8:3). There is to be no complaining, no cheating and no turning back (Deuteronomy 6:16).

Jesus wins this first struggle with the devil, but Satan will return.

These temptations are crucial for Jesus. In the months that follow, he will feed a multitude, refuse to become king and resist the taunts to escape from the cross. These are the very choices he made in the desert. More

Knowles, Andrew. The Bible Guide. 1st Augsburg books ed. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg, 2001. Print.